Punta Giovanni Paolo II (3307 m a.s.l.)

About peak Punta Giovanni Paolo II

Itálie

Vrchol Punta Giovanni Paolo II was added here by Milan "Hojší" Průžek and info was completed by Martin Matějka.

The old name of this peak was Cresta della Croce and it was later dedicated to Pope John Paul II, with a huge granite cross erected in his name. Years ago, this place was visited by the Pope and Pertini. The ascent is full of significance due to the presence of numerous war memorials from the 1915-1918 war, particularly the majestic cannon 149 "Hippo" transported by alpine troops, with immense suffering, to this ridge, from where you could hit the first Austrian lines. A must-see for history lovers.

Access:
You can reach Valle Camonica by exiting the A4 motorway at Seriate (BG) or Ospitaletto (BS). Follow the signs to the Passo del Tonale ski resort (m1870), where you can park your car at the starting square of the cable car to Passo Paradiso (m.2573). Take the cable car up to the pass and then the chairlift to Capanna Presena. (m.2740)

Climbing description:
DAY 1: REF. K PADLÝM Z ADAMELA (q. 3040 m) 5 HOURS
From Capanna Presena (m. 2740), continue for a few minutes on rocky ground until you reach the Presena glacier. You ascend the ramp (crampons are mandatory in late season) towards the narrow saddle of the Maroccaro pass (m. 2973, 0.50 hours), where you reach a short rocky ground. From the pass, descend into the gorge on the opposite side (some fixed rope) and then follow the path to the Città di Trento al Mandrone refuge (2449 m in 1.10 EE). Continue up the gentle slope to a section, go up the steep rocky terrain (trail markers are a bit confusing) indicating to the right of Mandrone vedretta, which you reach by a short descent. You will tie in and cross the vedretta heading left under the western side of Lobbia Alta. Here the path becomes more strenuous due to crevasses crossing the vedretta. You will reach a slope leading to the Lobbia Alta pass on the left and follow it all the way. From the pass, follow the path for a few minutes to the refuge (m. 3040, 3 hours Alp. F).

DAY 2: FROM THE REFUGE TO THE SUMMIT (m.3307) IN 1.30.
Return to the pass, tie in, and surround the ascent on the E slope of the mountain, aiming for the dihedral channel under the NE ridge (Red Stamp). You go up the dihedral (II+ mandatory step) and then grab the fixed rope. (At the top of the channel, nail with a ring). Without major difficulties, continue along the ridge of large blocks to the summit cross (m. 3307, 1.30 hours Alp. PD).

Descent:
FROM THE SUMMIT TO CAPANNA PRESENA 5 HOURS. You can return to the valley via the ascent route or (more recommended) continue along the ridge southward. Some passages are a bit 'challenging, a jump with a spout and a piece of rope and a plaque on an exposed ledge. You will descend to rocky ground and reach the hippo station (0.20 Alp. PD). From there, descend westward on rocky ground (watch for windows). Once back on the glacier, head NW (be careful of treacherous crevasses) until you reconnect with the ascent route at the foot of the slope descending from the Lobbia Alta pass. Then back to the Città di Trento refuge (Alp. F + 2.40 hours), at the Maroccaro pass and finally (watch for the descent of the Presena glacier in the presence of live ice) to Capanna Presena (2 hours).

Notes:
A very nice hike in the absence of fog (difficulty of orientation on the glacier) and with good climbing preparation to overcome rocky passages towards the summit, along the ridge and on the increasingly broken path on Mandrone vedretta. Worth it!

Chalet/accommodation: There is no chalet on the peak.
Stroller access: Peak is not stroller accessible.
Views: There are views from the peak.
Cable car: There is no cable car to this peak.
Equipment: Special equipment is required for this summit.
Accessibility: Peak is freely accessible.